Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta in 2026

Surrounded by the towering Sierra Madre mountains, the white edges of beaches and the sparkling depths of the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta is a tropical destination of contrasts and beauty.

Top & Best

These are what we consider the best/top options in, and around, Puerto Vallarta.
Top 10 Things To Do In Puerto…

Top 10 Things To Do In Puerto…

Puerto Vallarta Malecon north to south view Summary Introduction You’re going to visit Puerto Vallarta,…

Top Puerto Vallarta Options

Top Puerto Vallarta Options

The Best Options in Puerto Vallarta Here’s what we consider the best or top options…

Top 5 Beaches In Puerto Vallarta And…

Top 5 Beaches In Puerto Vallarta And…

Summary Introduction Obviously, it’s a complicated undertaking to create a small list of the best…

Flea Market stands

Cuale River Island, A Downtown Puerto Vallarta…

Cuale River Island Video Tour Features & Amenities Summary Right in the heart of Puerto…

Romantic Places In Puerto Vallarta

Romantic Places In Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most romantic places on Earth. There’s nothing like watching the sunset over…

Top 10 All Inclusive Hotels And Resorts…

Top 10 All Inclusive Hotels And Resorts…

Summary Introduction Exploring the dazzling beauty of Puerto Vallarta becomes a magnificent experience when you stay at…

Things You Must See In Puerto Vallarta

Things You Must See In Puerto Vallarta

Downtown Puerto Vallarta looking north When you travel around the world, you want to make…

Beaches, Landmarks & Things To See in Puerto Vallarta

Here’s a list of city landmarks and sightseeing options, most of them in Puerto Vallarta’s downtown area.
Shopping In Puerto Vallarta

Shopping In Puerto Vallarta

Shopping Cuale Markets Summary Puerto Vallarta Shopping Many visit Puerto Vallarta to relax and chill out on…

Saint Francis Of Assisi In…

Saint Francis Of Assisi In…

Saint Francis of Assisi by Augusto Bozzano Summary Introduction Though Ramiz Barquet did not sculpt…

The Rotunda Of The Sea…

The Rotunda Of The Sea…

Summary Introduction Puerto Vallarta Malecon/Boardwalk, sculpture by Alejandro Colunga (The Rotunda of the Sea) Another…

Eriza-Dos “Standing On End” (2007)…

Eriza-Dos “Standing On End” (2007)…

Eriza-Dos (Martiza Vázquez) Malecon II Puerto Vallarta Summary Introduction A unique sculpture that makes you…

The Minstrel’s Corner (1999) Jose…

The Minstrel’s Corner (1999) Jose…

The Minstrel’s Corner (1999) José Ramiz Barquet Summary Introduction The Minstrel’s Corner (La Rinconada del…

The Fishermen (2018) Jim Demetro…

The Fishermen (2018) Jim Demetro…

Summary Introduction Puerto Vallarta is known for its active and lively cultural life, the boardwalk…

The Friendship Fountain (1987) James…

The Friendship Fountain (1987) James…

The Friendship Fountain by James Bottoms and Octavio González Gutiérrez on the Malecon Summary Introduction…

day trips (beaches, towns & more)

Wonderful coastal towns, beaches, colonial towns to visit, lots of fun things to do near Puerto Vallarta. Some need to travel a bit and might require a trip that lasts a whole day, or a bit longer, to make it enjoyable.
Caballo Beach (El Caballo) Cabo…

Caballo Beach (El Caballo) Cabo…

Caballo Beach, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico Features and Amenities Summary Introduction Caballo Beach (El Caballo),…

Chacala, A Hidden Paradise

Chacala, A Hidden Paradise

Introduction Chacala is a beach town in the state of Nayarit some 8 miles from…

Colomitos Beach, WAS A Small…

Colomitos Beach, WAS A Small…

I NO LONGER RECOMMEND VISITING THIS CABO CORRIENTES BEACH (THE NEIGHBORING MUNICIPALITY – NOT PUERTO…

Partial view of Destiladeras Beach Nayarit Mexico

Destiladeras Beach In Nayarit, Find…

Features & amenities Introduction Destiladeras Beach Panorama You’ll find Destiladeras Beach west of La Cruz de…

El Eden, A Piece Of…

El Eden, A Piece Of…

Summary Features & Amenities Introduction An exotic and popular attraction located in the south zone, upriver…

El Tuito, A Town With…

El Tuito, A Town With…

El Tuito, main square, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, Mexico Features & amenities El Tuito details More…

La Caleta, The Best Surfing…

La Caleta, The Best Surfing…

La Caleta, Nayarit, Mexico Introduction You can find La Caleta just north (some 2 miles)…

Best Time to Visit Puerto Vallarta in 2026

Puerto Vallarta shines year-round, but for optimal weather, visit from November to April during the dry season. Expect warm temps (75-85°F) and minimal rain. Summer (May-Oct) brings lower crowds and prices but higher humidity and hurricane risks. In 2026, aim for the Vallarta Pride Festival in May for vibrant events or whale-watching season (Dec-Mar).

Enjoying Puerto Vallarta (Food+Drinks, Sports, Culture & Shopping)

A more general list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta, includes food, Mexican culture, and sports activities.
Art Galleries In Puerto Vallarta

Art Galleries In Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has established itself as a vibrant center of art creation, exhibition, and promotion. The…

Flea Market stands

Cuale River Island, A Downtown…

Cuale River Island Video Tour Features & Amenities Summary Right in the heart of Puerto…

Cuale River Municipal Market (Flea…

Cuale River Municipal Market (Flea…

Cuale River Municipal Market (Flea Market) Features & amenities Flea Market details Schedule Introduction Those…

Culture And Arts In Puerto…

Culture And Arts In Puerto…

Puerto Vallarta not only offers you a beautiful and enjoyable vacation with an endless array of…

Handicrafts And Folk Art, Huichol…

Handicrafts And Folk Art, Huichol…

Local handicrafts and folk art of the region include sandals and huaraches, made with leather…

Jewelries In Puerto Vallarta

Jewelries In Puerto Vallarta

All sterling silver in Mexico is marked with a small stamp .925. Items sold on the beach…

Ecotourism & Nature

Puerto Vallarta’s extraordinarily lush and biodiverse natural setting enhances its charm and makes it the delightful vacation destination it is.
Birdwatching In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Birdwatching In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Summary Passerina ciris One of the most profitable ecotourism activities in the United States and Canada is…

Canopy River Tour in Puerto Vallarta

Canopy Tours In Puerto Vallarta

Canopy Tours in Vallarta Canopy tours in Puerto Vallarta are a truly thrilling ecological experience that offers you the…

Crocodiles And Crocodile Sanctuaries In…

Crocodiles And Crocodile Sanctuaries In…

River Crocodile Estero El Salado Puerto Vallarta Watching the daily news and seeing how we…

Ecotourism & Nature

Ecotourism & Nature

Fun down-to-earth things to do Without its extraordinarily lush and biodiverse natural setting, Puerto Vallarta…

Ecotourism In Puerto Vallarta

Ecotourism In Puerto Vallarta

Ecotourism in Puerto Vallarta In a world in which communing with nature increasingly means a…

El Eden, A Piece Of…

El Eden, A Piece Of…

Summary Features & Amenities Introduction An exotic and popular attraction located in the south zone, upriver…

Humpback Whales, The Giants Of…

Humpback Whales, The Giants Of…

Puerto Vallarta Humpback Whales Text & Photos: Eduardo Lugo from Homes & Living These gentle…

There are many unique and wonderful things to do in, and near, Puerto Vallarta. Here is our list of all the fun things to enjoy in the area, you’ll surely find many options for your specific taste and by reviewing this section you make sure you don’t miss out on anything.

From the simple cobblestone streets in the downtown area to sophisticated amenities provided at Grand Tourism hotels, Puerto Vallarta is always a great beach destination choice.

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Puerto Vallarta offers each guest their own unique and ideal vacation mix of not only relaxation and wonder, but also tranquility and action.

If you’d like to arrive by sea, the Banderas Bay area boasts a number of modern and sophisticated Marinas, and for those who like golf, Vallarta has eight championship golf courses.

You can also feel assured by the knowledge that the city also offers top-level hospitals, no ugly surprises here.

No matter your particular preferences or indulgences, there’s a part of Puerto Vallarta that’s just right for you and your personal vacation.


Alphabetical ASC
Alphabetical DESC
The Washer Woman (2008) Jim Demetro

The Washer Woman (2008) Jim Demetro

Sculptor Jim Demetro 2008. The Washer Woman a bronze sculpture just south of the Cuale river by Molino de Agua Condominium a traditional view by the Cuale river
El Eden, A Piece Of The Garden Of Eden In Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta

El Eden, A Piece Of The Garden Of Eden In Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta

El Eden is an exotic restaurant in the south zone, upriver from Mismaloya Beach with pools and waterfalls. Was the set of Predator a movie that made Arnold Schwarzenegger a household name.
La Manzanilla Beach, A Great North Zone Family Option

La Manzanilla Beach, A Great North Zone Family Option

La Manzanilla Beach is the most popular beach in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, town north of Puerto Vallarta in the neighboring state of Nayarit
Chacala, A Hidden Paradise

Chacala, A Hidden Paradise

Chacala, a beach town in Nayarit some 8 miles from Las Varas. Part of the so-called Riviera Nayarit, a 180 mile (290km) long stretch of coast in the state of Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
The Boy On The Seahorse (1968) Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda

The Boy On The Seahorse (1968) Rafael Zamarripa Castañeda

El Niño Sobre el Caballo de Mar (Seahorse statue) was commissioned from Rafael Zamarripa 18 year old artist winner of the National Sculpture Prize. A big one is on the Malecon
The Malecon Arches, Downtown Puerto Vallarta

The Malecon Arches, Downtown Puerto Vallarta

The Arches in downtown Puerto Vallarta are on the south end of the Malecon. Four stone arches brought from a Guadalajara Hacienda it is an iconic city landmark
El Malecon Beach, Downtown Puerto Vallarta

El Malecon Beach, Downtown Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its Malecon/Boardwalk, the beach on the west side is called El Malecon Beach, check out videos, photos and more
Garza Blanca Beach, Puerto Vallarta South Zone

50+ Beaches In And Around Puerto Vallarta, A Complete Guide

A list & description of fifty or more beaches you can visit when you are in Puerto Vallarta map, photos, videos, tips, how to get there, etc.
Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla (1988) José Esteban Ramírez Guareño

Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla (1988) José Esteban Ramírez Guareño

Bronze sculpture of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla by José Esteban Ramírez Guareño depicts a Mexican Independence hero Plaza Hidalgo a block N of the Malecon’s end

Surrounded by the towering Sierra Madre mountains, the white edges of beaches and the sparkling depths of the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta is a tropical destination of contrasts and beauty.

FAQs

What are the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta?

The top beaches include Playa Los Muertos for vibrant nightlife, Playa Conchas Chinas for seclusion, and Playa Camarones for a local vibe. All offer stunning Pacific views.

Is Puerto Vallarta good for families?

Yes, with family-friendly activities like boat tours, the Cuale River Island park, and dolphin encounters. Avoid peak party seasons for a calmer experience.

What tours should I book in 2026?

<p>Top tours include snorkeling at Los Arcos, zip-lining in the Sierra Madre, and sunset cruises. Book in advance for the best rates and availability.

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